Joshua Zirkzee has thanked his Manchester United team-mates for helping him through a ‘frustrating’ 17-game goal drought before he scored twice in Sunday’s victory over Everton at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee enjoyed a dream start to life at United following a £36.5million summer move from Bologna when he scored the winning goal on his debut against Fulham in August.
But the Dutchman has struggled since then and became a bit-part player during the final months of Erik ten Hag’s managerial reign.
The arrival of replacement Ruben Amorim has given Zirkzee a fresh start and he seized his opportunity with both hands after starting at centre-forward in the 4-0 win over Everton.
The 23-year-old shared the moment with his team-mates, saying: ‘Obviously, the longer it takes before you get back on the scoresheet, the more frustrating it gets. But I have some great teammates who always keep my head up as well when I’m not keeping them up. They helped me a lot during that time as well. Today they were happy for me as well.
‘Hard times great strong people and strong people bond. I think that’s what’s happening now. The most important thing is that we keep going.’
Joshua Zirkzee thanks his team-mates for getting him through his dry spell in front of goal
The Dutch summer signing scored twice in United’s 4-0 thrashing of Everton at the weekend
Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation saw Zirkzee work well with Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes
Zirkzee wasn’t seen as a natural No 9 when United signed him in the summer, but he enjoyed the central role with Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes playing either side in Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.
‘There are some slight differences. I got out there and tried to do what he asks me and expects,’ added Zirkzee.
‘I felt comfortable in the role I was in. Of course, the goals help as well for a striker. We all came out with the confidence that we were going to win this game.
‘A win is exactly what these fans deserved, so it’s a great day. There were a couple of moments where it could’ve gone differently, but I think we stayed strong as a team and 4-0 was a great result.’
Fernandes set up Zirkzee’s first goal after Amad had stolen the ball off Jarrad Branthwaite, and Amad got an assist for the second after winning a tackle with James Tarkowski.
‘It takes some time to have connections in a team when you’re new,’ said Zirkzee. ‘With Amad, it’s very easy to play with him. I wish I could explain to you. It’s easy. He always gives you an option, it just comes naturally.’
